‘Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ Trailer: A Higher Class of Hero

Guy Ritchie’s adaptation of the popular 1960s NBC spy series ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ is very much a throwback to the classic spy movies. Whereas most modern spy movies, like ‘Skyfall’ or the upcoming ‘Kingsman’, do their best to distance themselves from the Roger Moore style, ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ actually embraces style. It’s even set in the 1960s. But, is there an audience for a good, old fashioned spy movie? Watch the new ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ trailer above and see for yourself.

First, if you're unfamiliar with the basic premise of the series, and movie, here's a quick plot synopsis:

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” centers on CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

The film stars ‘Batman vs. Superman’ star Henry Cavill as Solo and ‘Social Network’ star Armie Hammer trying on his best Russian accent as Kuryakin. Cavill's actually quite great in this footage, and shows off a lot of charm and flair that's sadly lacking from the Superman films. Hammer's Russian accent is...OK, not great, which is surprising for someone of Russian descent.

‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ has had an interesting road to the big screen. Steven Soderbergh was originally set to direct with George Clooney starring, but Clooney dropped out due to an injury and Soderbergh didn't feel like he could direct with the proposed $60 million. Ritchie came aboard to replace Soderbergh and Tom Cruise was in talks to star, but he too dropped out, citing a conflict with ‘Mission: Impossible 5’. Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon and Johnny Depp would also turn down the role. Eventually the studio brought in their Man of Steel to lead the film, his first starring role outside of the DC universe.

This trailer will run in theaters with ‘Kingsman’ and it will be interesting to see this trailer play with that film. ‘Kingsman’ is basically a deconstruction of movies like ‘U.N.C.L.E.’ and time shall tell if there's an audience for both.